CHIEF EXECUTIVE Don Bircham admits Wrexham’s new manager might not be appointed by the end of the season. 

Wrexham are unbeaten in four games since Carl Darlington took over as caretaker boss following the dismissal of Kevin Wilkin a fortnight ago and the Reds finish the campaign with a trip to relegated Telford United on April 25. 

Bircham insists the board are committed to finding the right man for the job and will take their time before installing the successful candidate. 

“We are still aiming for the end of the season but there is no point in rushing,” said Bircham. “We need to get the appointment right. 

“The end of the season would be the goal but if it means taking a bit longer to get the right candidate, that will be the case. 

“We are in good hands, the league position is improving and the guys are happy with Carl. 

“The ship is on a steady course so there is no real need to rush it.” 

The club’s board are due to complete the first round of interviews with a shortlist or eight to ten individuals this week and that figure is expected to be whittled down to a smaller number of names before holding another interview. 

Darlington, first team coach under Wilkin, has ruled himself out of the running while The New Saints manager Craig Harrison, Macclesfield Town boss John Askey and former Wrexham midfielder Kevin Russell are among the names linked with the position. 

“With football managers and their commitments, although we are keen to get it done and dusted we have not been able to fit everybody in,” said Bircham. 

“We will see the remainder at some point this week. 

“They have got jobs, some are not from this part of the world, and the board have got jobs so it is just the logistics. 

“Once we have completed the interviews, there might be an outstanding individual and no need for a second round of interviews but mostly in these cases, you go from an initial group to a shorter list.”

Harrison remains the 2/1 favourite for the position, with Macclesfield boss Askey heavily supported into 6/1 at the weekend. 

Speculation has also linked Reds director of football Barry Horne with the job but he is not thought to be one of the names in the running at this stage.

Latest odds for the next Wrexham manager (BetVictor): Craig Harrison 2/1, John Askey 6/1, Paul Cox 8/1, Carl Darlington 12/1, Mark Yates 12/1, Kevin Russell 12/1, Dean Keates 20/1, 33/1 bar.